ROGER REES Dr

THE ENGLISH-SPEAKING UNION OF THE UNITED STATES

. Creating Global Understanding Through English

nation’s capital area branch

APRIL 2007 News & Announcements

PRESIDENT SPEAKING OF SHAKESPEARE WITH RSC VETERAN ROGER REES Dr. Gerald B. Kauvar A Luncheon Dialogue with an Award-Winning Actor, Director, and Writer FIRST VICE-PRESIDENT ROGER REES rose to stardom in the ROYAL SHAKESPEARE COMPANY’s Dr. James C. Ledyard epic rendering of Dickens’ Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby, TREASURER for which he collected both an Olivier Award and a Tony. He went on to Mr. C. Braxton Moncure create the leading roles in the London premieres of two Tom Stoppard EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR hits, The Real Thing and Hapgood.

Dr. John F. Andrews, OBE BROADWAY MONDAY, APRIL 2 On he has won accolades VICE-PRESIDENTS Reception, 12:00 Lunch, 12:30 p.m. in Indiscretions, A Man of No Mrs. Armida Colt Importance, The Rehearsal, and SUNDAY,THE UNIVERSITY SEPTEMBER CLUB 11 Mr. A. Graham Down 1135 16th Street NW Uncle Vanya. Mr. Rees spent two Mr. William Fitzgerald III 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Luncheon & Program, $45 decades as a member of the ROYAL Capt. Macauley Howard 4000 CATHEDRAL AVENUE NW SHAKESPEARE COMPANY, performing Mr. William L. Renfro Apartment 152 B Dr. Marjorie J. Williams such roles as the title character in Hamlet. He now presides over the WILLIAMSTOWN THEATRE FESTIVAL.Admission A popular $25 figure in television series like Cheers and The West Wing, as well as in films DIRECTORS such as Crazy Like a Fox, The Emperor’s Club, and Frida, he’ll present a one-man anthology, Mr. Stephen F. Black What You Will, at the FOLGER THEATRE during the weekend that precedes this engagement. Hon. E. R. Braithwaite Ms. D. Elizabeth Crompton Mr. Robert A. Fratkin MICHAEL KAHN TALKS ABOUT SHAKESPEARE IN WASHINGTON Mrs. Wendell Vilas Graham Mrs. Celia Josephs A Chat with the Artistic Director of the SHAKESPEARE THEATRE COMPANY Mrs. Willee Lewis Mr. Phillip H. Miller We’re joining the WOMAN’S NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC CLUB in a luncheon Mrs. Gillian B. Quinby with one of today’s most esteemed producers and directors. MICHAEL Dr. Jeanne A. Roberts KAHN has earned plaudits on BROADWAY and has overseen the AMERICAN

SHAKESPEARE THEATRE in Stratford, ADVISORY BOARD Mr. Eric W. Beshers Connecticut, and the MCCARTER THURSDAY, APRIL 5 Hon. Robert A. Brand THEATRE in Princeton, New Jersey. Cash-Bar Reception, 11:30 Lunch 12:30 Dr. John Churchill During four decades in LINCOLN Program, 1:00 p.m. Mrs. Daisy Crowley CENTER at the JUILLIARD SCHOOL’s 1526 NEW HAMPSHIRE AVENUE Mr. Gilbert M. Grosvenor Mrs. Priscilla Liggett Drama Division, which he helped ESU Members, $25 Others, $30 Program Only, $10 Mrs. Diana M. Nicholson establish and which he headed until Mrs. Jane P. Plakias recently, Mr. Kahn has helped train Frederic W. Schwartz Jr., Esq. such actors as William Hurt, Harvey Keitel, Kevin Kline, Patti LuPone, and Kelly McGillis. Dr. Stephen Joel Trachtenberg Meanwhile, since his arrival in the Nation’s Capital in 1986, Mr. Kahn has transformed what had  been an embattled troupe at the FOLGER into a company The Economist has described as one of the finest classical ensembles in the world. As the STC prepares to occupy its new HARMAN CENTER OFFICE ADDRESS FOR THE ARTS, Mr. Kahn is teaming up with Michael Kaiser, President of the KENNEDY CENTER, 1604 New Hampshire Avenue NW Washington, DC 20009-2512 to oversee a spectacular and unprecedented celebration of SHAKESPEARE IN WASHINGTON.

TELEPHONE (202) 234-4602

FACSIMILE The ESU’s 18th Annual Shakespeare Competition (202) 234-4639 See the pages that follow for details on that and other attractions, among WEB SITE & E-MAIL www.esuwdc.org them programs with writer WALTER ISAACSON of the ASPEN INSTITUTE [email protected] and humanitarian ERIC REEVES of SMITH COLLEGE in New England.

ESU HOSTS ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL AND Kelly N. O’Connor at MONTGOMERY BLAIR HIGH SCHOOL in Montgomery County, Stephanie Ramsey, a student of R. L. INSPIRING SHAKESPEARE COMPETITION Mirabal at LAKE BRADDOCK HIGH SCHOOL in Fairfax County,

Chassie Slappy, a student of Patricia Veneziani at NORTH- Among the ENGLISH-SPEAKING UNION’s most popular and ERN HIGH SCHOOL in Calvert County, Maryland, and Rosalind edifying endeavors is its annual SHAKESPEARE COMPETITION JAMES H. BLAKE HIGH FOR THE NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION. We’re pleased to report Wills, a student of Michael D’Anna at that 33 public, private, and parochial schools, including three SCHOOL in Montgomery County. that were new to the festivities, took part in our 18th presenta- Another winner during this year’s tion of this lively contest, which occurred Monday, March 5, ceremonies was Valerie Karasek on the LANSBURGH stage of what is now known as the SHAKE- of ROCKY RUN MIDDLE SCHOOL in SPEARE THEATRE COMPANY. As in the past, major funding came Fairfax County (pictured here with from THE MORRIS AND GWENDOLYN CAFRITZ FOUNDATION, the ESU’S John Andrews), who with substantial assistance from DR. MARJORIE J. WILLIAMS. received a $4,000 stipend as recipient of the SHAKESPEARE TEACHER Once again we were blessed with a distinguished panel of judges: AWARD FOR 2007. Ms. Karasek will playwright Stephen Black (trustee of the SHAKESPEARE THEATRE spend several weeks this summer COMPANY), director Jeanne E. Harrison (Founder of TRAVEL- in intensive study at an institution ING PLAYERS ENSEMBLE), teacher and administrator Celia in the British Isles. An additional prize went to Josh Thelin of Josephs (former Executive Director of the AMERICAN FRIENDS the ACADEMY FOR CLASSICAL ACTING, who accepted the $2,500 OF SADLER’S WELLS), drama educator Dawn McAndrews (head WALTER L. WRIGHT III AWARD to of the SHAKESPEARE THEATRE COMPANY’s outreach to instruc- further his preparation for work in tors and students in the region), retired AMERICAN UNIVERSITY the drama profession’s most de- literature professor Jeanne A. Roberts (former President of the manding repertory. His certificate SHAKESPEARE ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA), educator Heather was bestowed by the late Tony Sanderson (host of MARYLAND PUBLIC TELEVISION’s AFTERNOON Wright’s philanthropic widow, Dr. TEA series), long-time Montgomery County instructor Lee Marjorie J. Williams, who spoke Viccellio (first winner of ESU’S SHAKESPEARE TEACHER AWARD poignantly about the fact that her for study in Great Britain), and Program Director Catherine beloved husband passed away the Weidner (head of the ACADEMY FOR CLASSICAL ACTING, a joint previous April — on the same date, venture of the SHAKESPEARE THEATRE COMPANY and GEORGE fittingly, as Shakespeare’s own death. WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY). They narrowed the field to ten finalists from the 2:00 opening round in the afternoon, then selected The Chairman of ESU WASHINGTON’s three prizewinners during the 7:30 evening session that followed. Education Committee, A. Graham Down, served as master of ceremonies for the opening session. His esteemed colleague, Thanks to Gilbert M. Grosvenor Dr. James C. Ledyard, First Vice President, welcomed every- (Chairman) and Steve Hubbard at one to the concluding session. Among the other contributors to NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC SOCIETY, an uplifting and memorable day was WASHINGTON POST theatre every entrant received a beautiful critic Peter Marks, who looked in on the afternoon session and keepsake from one of America’s most spoke with eloquence, wit, and sensi- prominent publishers. And owing to tivity about his responsibilities as a the kindness of our underwriters, the reviewer of drama in Washington, top three entrants received prizes of New York, and elsewhere. Mr. Marks $500, $300, and $200. Placing highest confided that he had done a bit of was Gracie Terzian (pictured here acting in his younger days, and he in one of four Bill Sanda photo- congratulated all the participants on graphs that accompany this account), the courage, insight, and imagination a student of Vanessa Gelinas at they’d brought to the sonnets and OAKTON HIGH SCHOOL in Fairfax County, Virginia. She will now dramatic monologues they delivered. advance to the NATIONAL SHAKESPEARE COMPETITION on At a comparable point during the Monday, April 23, at LINCOLN CENTER in Manhattan. First evening session, while everyone in Alternate was Cassie Murray, a student of Alexandra London- the audience awaited the judges’ Thompson at HOLTON-ARMS SCHOOL in Bethesda. Second assessments of the performances they had just observed, Cath- Alternate was Noah Schechter, a student of Tyler Reedy at erine Weidner and WRIGHT laureate Josh Thelin joined Mr. PIKESVILLE HIGH SCHOOL in Baltimore County, Maryland. Andrews for a discussion about the kind of training a year’s study The other seven finalists were Miguel Amaguana, a student of at the ACADEMY FOR CLASSICAL ACTING affords for theatre pro- Ginny MacNemar at NORTHWEST HIGH SCHOOL in Montgom- fessionals who aspire to master the techniques that permit an ery County, Maryland, Daniella Furman, a student of Debra artist to succeed in roles that notables such as Peggy Ashcroft, Brennan at WASHINGTON MATH SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY PUBLIC John Barrymore, Edwin Booth, Judi Dench, John Gielgud, Ian CHARTER HIGH SCHOOL in Washington, D.C., Kajsa Linn McKellen, Helen Mirren, Laurence Olivier, Christopher Guernsey, a student of Paul Rubenstein at FAIRFAX HIGH Plummer, Ralph Richardson, Paul Robeson, Maggie Smith, and SCHOOL in Fairfax County, Virginia, Maureen Raj, a student of Meryl Streep have done their parts to make legendary.

2 ESU News & Announcements April 2007

JOURNALIST WALTER ISAACSON TALKS is convening an April 13-15 ESUUS REGION IV meeting that will go well beyond what is normally to be expected at such get- ABOUT EINSTEIN’S LIFE AND UNIVERSE togethers. Attendees will be housed at the RADISSON HOTEL

HISTORIC RICHMOND, and they’ll be treated to such attractions We’re honored to co-host a WOMAN’S NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC MAYMONT CLUBTHURSDAY, luncheon withJANUARY one of 25 the most prominent thinkers of our as a Friday evening tour, reception, and dinner at Cash-Bar Reception, 11:30 Lunch 12:30 HOUSE day. WALTER ISAACSON is President and Chief Executive Officer of (a magnificent Gilded Age estate with a gorgeous gar- Program, 1:00 p.m. DR. JAMES KELLY ( the ASPEN INSTITUTE, an organization that den), a Saturday luncheon at which Director is1526 justly NEW renowned HAMPSHIRE for its AVENUE prestigious semi- of Museums at the VIRGINIA HISTORICAL SOCIETY) will discuss nars ESU on Members, the principles $25 Others, of $30 leadership. A his institution’s exhibition about JAMESTOWN 1607, QUEBEC 1608, native of Programthe Crescent Only, $10 City, for which he AND SANTA FE 1609: THREE NORTH AMERICAN BEGINNINGS, a Saturday evening excur- currently serves as vice-chairman of a post -Katrina recovery task-force, Mr. Isaacson sion to two historic holds degrees from Harvard (1974) and dwellings (AGECROFT Oxford (1976), which he attended as a HALL and VIRGINIA Rhodes Scholar. His reporting credits in- HOUSE) that were cluded brief stints at the Sunday Times of brought to these shores from England and reconstructed in London and his hometown New Orleans Richmond, and a Sunday morning worship service at venerable Times-Picayune before he was hired by ST. PAUL’S CHURCH. For details (including registration fees and Time in 1978. By 1996 he had risen to the booking arrangements for lodging), you should get in touch as post of Managing Editor, and in 2001 he quickly as possible with ELLEN LECOMPTE, President of ESU became Chairman and CEO of CNN, the RICHMOND, by sending an e-mail to [email protected]. TIME WARNER cable network that pio- neered around-the-clock news and analy- HUMANITARIAN ERIC REEVES PLEADS sis. Mr. Isaacson is the author of scores of penetrating articles and editorials, and the FOR IMMEDIATE ACTION IN DARFUR recipient of numerous prizes and awards “These people are at the bottom of the geopolitical pecking order. (including membership in the influential They’re black. They’re poor. They’re Muslim. They sit over no natu- COUNCIL ON FOREIGN RELATIONS), but ral resources. They have nothing going for them in the geostrategic he is now becoming even more widely scheme of things. But they are recognized for his bestselling books. In 2003 he published Benja- human beings, and they’re min Franklin: An American Life, a colorful and intimate narra- THURSDAY, APRIL 19 suffering terribly, and they’re Cash-Bar Reception, 11:30 Lunch 12:30 tive about the amazing figure being destroyed at an uncon- Program, 1:00 p.m. who excelled as an inventor, a THURSDAY, APRIL 12 scionable rate.” So maintains 1526 NEW HAMPSHIRE AVENUE Cash-Bar Reception, 11:30 Lunch 12:30 sage, a statesman, a diplomat, ERIC REEVES, a deeply con- Program, 1:00 p.m. a bon vivant, and a founding ESU Members, $25 Others, $30 cerned professor of English Program Only, $10 father of the nation he came 1526 NEW HAMPSHIRE AVENUE language and literature at ESU Members, $25 Others, $30 to epitomize in the view of SMITH COLLEGE. Dr. Reeves has spent the last seven years on a Program Only, $10 many Europeans. Mr. Isaacson thus-far-unsuccessful effort to persuade the United States and other has now completed another nations to prevent an entire population biography that seems earmarked for distinction, a volume about the from being exterminated. In articles that genius who, more perhaps than anyone else, defined the modern have been published in such major peri- world. Drawing upon an incomparable scientist’s newly released odicals as the New Republic and the personal letters, Mr. Isaacson shows how Einstein became the most Washington Post, as well as in radio astonishing intellect of the 20th century. Among other things, he and television appearances that have traces subtle links between the physicist’s research and the ethical taken him before the viewers of such and political convictions for which he became equally admired. programs as RELIGION AND ETHICS, a Copies of Einstein: His Life and Universe will be available for PBS feature hosted by Bob Abernethy, purchase and for inscription by their prolific author. Dr. Reeves has observed that “there are many people who believe that somehow ESU RICHMOND HOSTS A WEEKEND ON African lives are less valuable. Human suffering is human suffering. ‘THREE NORTH AMERICAN BEGINNINGS’ Human destruction is human destruction and loss. I refuse to ac- cept that these lives are any less valuable than our lives.” Dr. Reeves Our ESU colleagues in RICHMOND have organized an impressive was among the first to label as genocide what he saw happening in weekend of activities to mark the 400th anniversary of the first per- Darfur. He calculates that more than half a million men, women, manent English settlement on our continent. In what will serve as and children have already fallen victim to political and military thugs prelude both to the official JAMESTOWN 2007 celebration a month who are determined to root them out. Sadly, he himself has now later (a May gathering with commemorative events to be attended been diagnosed with a serious illness, but he continues to fight for by HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN) and to the October 31-November 4 the survival of others. To learn more about Dr. Reeves and about ESU NATIONAL CONFERENCE in the autumn, the Richmond what you can do to help further his cause, you’ll want to be on hand branch of the ENGLISH-SPEAKING UNION OF THE UNITED STATES for this luncheon at the WOMAN’S NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC CLUB.

April 2007 ESU News & Announcements 3 THE ENGLISH-SPEAKING UNION

OF THE UNITED STATES ESU Nominating Committee In anticipation of ESU WASHINGTON’s ANNUAL GENERAL Creating Global Understanding Through English MEETING, to take place on a date in May to be announced nation’s capital area branch in the near future, a NOMINATING COMMITTEE is now receiving recommendations for directorial positions to be filled. Those who wish to communicate with this important 1604 New Hampshire Avenue NW Washington, DC 20009-2512 panel –– comprised of Stephen F. Black, D. Elizabeth Since 1920, when it originated in response to a parallel organization that Crompton, A. Graham Down, Ian S. McDonald (Chair), had been established two years earlier in Great Britain, the English-Speaking and Sarah Williams –– may do so between now and Friday, Union of the United States has sought to foster social and cultural cohesion through April 27, by post to 4621 Hunt Avenue, Chevy Chase, the resources and traditions of a language that has become increasingly indispensable MD 20815, by e-mail to [email protected], or by as a means of international communication. Through a diverse array of offerings, phone to (301) 654-2069. Messages may also be conveyed some of which are shared with audiences around the world through radio and through the ESU office, by post to the address at left, by fax TV, the national capital’s ESU endeavors to advance a noble mission. to (202) 234-4639, or by e-mail to [email protected]..

BENEFACTOR ($500) Thanks for Your Generosity All DONOR-level benefits plus 4 additional coupons to be used at regular events, 1 additional coupon for a special occasion, Everyone associated with the ENGLISH-SPEAKING UNION is and recognition in selected print materials enormously grateful for your willingness to facilitate its offerings PATRON ($1,000) with your support. The ESU now girdles the planet, with a stately Free admission for 2 persons to all regular events, London address at DARTMOUTH HOUSE near Berkeley Square, 4 coupons for use at special occasions, and and those who take part in any of its local, regional, and national recognition in selected printings communities are nourished by a vibrant global network. SPONSOR ($2,500) In an effort to keep our members alert to the broader dimensions All PATRON-level benefits plus free admission for up of the ENGLISH-SPEAKING UNION, we now offer everyone who to 4 additional guests at all ESU gatherings affiliates with the ESU at the Contributor level or above a colorful periodical, ESU NEWS, which comes out six times a year from our international headquarters in Mayfair. If you’re not yet receiving it, you may upgrade with a quick call to (202) 234-4602. Response Form

Through an enticing assortment of edifying events, and through I wish to __ renew or __ enroll in the ENGLISH-SPEAKING UNION at such enterprises as an annual SHAKESPEARE COMPETITION for the $_____ level. I wish to make a tax-deductible donation to the ESU secondary-school students, a variety of FELLOWSHIP AWARDS to of $_____ to support its educational and cultural endeavors. encourage substantive exploration in academic and artistic settings, and a volunteer-based tutoring service, ENGLISH IN ACTION, for For Apr. 2 (Rees ), please reserve _ space(s) at $45. those who aspire to better command of a tongue that is not native to them, ESU WASHINGTON is dedicated to extending a For Apr. 5 (Kahn ), please reserve _ space(s) at $25, _at $30, _ at $10. precious legacy. To help sustain this legacy, all you need to do is For Apr. 12 (Isaacson), reserve _ space(s) at $25, _at $30, _ at $10. supply the information requested in the form to the right and submit it by post, phone, fax, or e-mail. Below are the ENGLISH- For Apr. 19 (Reeves), please reserve _ space(s) at $25, _at $30, _ at $10. SPEAKING UNION’s present membership categories.

ASSOCIATE (Individual $45, Dual $65) My check for $______to THE ENGLISH-SPEAKING UNION is enclosed. Event notices, local and national Charge _MC_Visa______(___ /___). ESU member publications

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All ASSOCIATE-level benefits plus 1 coupon for a regular ESU event (that is, an Address______event priced at $40 or less) City, State, Zip ______CONTRIBUTOR (Individual $125, Dual $150) Phone, Fax ______All SUBSCRIBER-level benefits plus 1 additional

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DONOR ($250) Member rates for ESU events are available to anyone affiliated with BABA, All CONTRIBUTOR-level benefits plus 2 additional coupons CantabDC, LSE alumni, the Royal Society of Arts, the Shakespeare Guild, to be used at regular events and 1 coupon for a special the Washington Society for Churchill, the Woman’s National Democratic occasion (that is, one priced at more than $40) Club, and various other organizations that cooperate with the ESU.

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